Funes (Málaga) after Getafe defeat: “We have things to hold onto”

Málaga head coach Juan Funes assessed the 1-0 defeat to Getafe and, despite the scoreline, emphasized that his team showed encouraging signs. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said his players “did many things well” but “didn’t get the reward,” arguing that their overall approach to the game was solid even in one of LaLiga’s toughest venues.

“We felt good competing”

Funes stressed that Málaga stayed in the match until the end, including after Iván Azón’s goal in the 85th minute. He said the team kept belief and worked until the final whistle, and while adjustments are needed, there are “things to hold onto” as they look to reverse their current run.

The deciding moment

The coach also pointed directly to the move that settled the game. According to him, the goal came after a favorable Málaga corner: “We rushed the restart,” and after Getafe won the transition, they lacked enough order to prevent the punch arriving. He added that Málaga created chances and “earned the right to score,” but the ball simply didn’t end up in the net.

More bite in the last third

Beyond the result, Funes highlighted the main area to improve: the final third. He argued that while the side has shown they can compete, they need more determination and threat near the opponent’s area to “do more damage” and turn good spells into points.

Adrián Niño and the coaching choices

On his attacking changes, Funes explained the minutes given to Adrián Niño, who was returning from injury. He said they couldn’t overload him, that he finished “very tired” the other day, and that once he came on the plan shifted to Chupe. He ended by acknowledging the disappointment of leaving the Coliseum without points, but insisted the team’s margin to improve is “very big” and that victories will come.